JP2014012194A - Method for supporting team-play in multiple participation-type game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique related to a system including a communication infrastructure and a handheld game controller, the technique for improving handling of a number of players in a multiple participation-type game when the game is played at a game arena having a single large screen showing a multiple participation-type game image.SOLUTION: A system includes a game server 110 for controlling a display system so as to display a multiple participation-type game on a large screen and plural game controllers 135. Further, an individual game controller 135 includes: secondary display means for providing a secondary game display; and input means for receiving a player input. The system includes a game server 110 and communication means for enabling communication with each of the game controllers 135. The plural game controllers 135 are disposed in proximity with the large display screen to enable game players operating the game controllers 135 to see the screen while playing the multiple participation-type game.

Description

  The present invention relates to a multiplayer game system, method and apparatus. Specifically, in this multiplayer game, each of the plurality of game controllers is commonly viewed by a plurality of players while being controlled by an individual player (participant) associated with a specific game character. Includes display.

  In a multiplayer gaming environment where a large number of users can play an interactive action-based game on a single large display screen, such as found in a movie, for example, one of many players It may be difficult for a person to identify a character (or avatar) on his screen among all the characters of other players on the screen. This difficulty should increase if the game characters selected by the various players look similar to each other.

  If a player cannot easily (or quickly) identify his game character on the big screen, the game's enjoyment for the player, ie the motivation to play the game, may be weakened .

  Another problem in such multiplayer gaming environments arises in connection with receiving game input commands from all of a number of players. For example, in existing movie theaters and other large venues, providing cables and wiring to multiple player input terminals to receive player input commands is not always cost effective or practical. Absent.

  There is a need to address or improve one or more disadvantages of existing multiplayer gaming systems, or at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

  Aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods for multiplayer games. Some aspects relate to an improved communication infrastructure and an improved handheld game controller, while other aspects, for example, allow easy identification of characters (or avatars) on the player's screen. Or by providing a pre-game activity on a hand-held game controller before a player enters a multiplayer game, which relates to an improvement in handling a large number of players in a multiplayer game. Still another aspect relates to a multiplayer game method and a player registration method in a multiplayer game.

In one aspect, the present invention is a multiplayer game system,
A game server configured to provide a display signal for displaying a multiplayer game;
A display system having primary display means, wherein the display system is configured to provide a primary game display of a multiplayer game to the primary display means in response to a display signal;
A plurality of game controllers each having secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input;
Communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers,
The present invention relates to a system in which a plurality of game controllers are located in proximity to the primary display means so that the primary display means can be seen by a game player who operates each game controller.

  The secondary game display may be different from the multi-player game related to the multi-player game, unrelated to the multi-player game, or as a previous version or preceding stage of the multi-player game. It may be related to another game or activity. In one preferred embodiment, the secondary game display may display a single player game that is directly related to a multiplayer game.

  The primary display means preferably includes a large display screen of a size used in movies, for example. The large display screen may be a projection (projector) screen. In this case, the display system includes a projector that projects an image of the multiplayer game on the display screen. The display system may use a projection device normally used for movie projection if the device is configured to project a digital image.

  The game controller is preferably a small handheld computer device with wireless transmission means for communicating with the game server. Alternatively, the handheld computer device may perform wired communication with the game server via a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  In one embodiment, each handheld computing device receives power from an external power source such as an external battery pack. The handheld computer devices are preferably each connected to a seat arm or other fixed structure within the game arcade.

  The battery pack is preferably removably attached to a seat arm or other fixed structure, and the handheld computer device is connected to the seat arm or other fixed structure by a tether (cord). The mooring member includes movable connection means that allow the handheld computer device to move relative to the seat arm or other structure, and houses a power cable that provides power from the battery pack to the handheld computer device. The anchoring member may comprise a rigid connection arm or a flexible retractable cable.

  The game venue may be a closed theater such as a movie theater, with an outdoor amphitheater, a conference hall, a conference room, an appropriate display system, and a communication infrastructure that enables communication between the game controller and the game server. It may be a different type of venue, such as other suitably sized venues.

  The game site preferably faces the display screen so that the player can face the display screen while the player is seated in the game site and keep the secondary display of the game controller in the field of view. It has a large number of seats (for example, about 50 to several hundred seats).

  The gaming system preferably has a maximum of several hundreds in a game arena having hundreds of accommodated personnel so that almost everyone can participate in a multiplayer game if desired or allowed. Supports up to game controllers. In such an environment, if each of the hundreds of players controls the corresponding game character or avatar on the primary display, some means to help each player identify or find their game character or avatar, Alternatively, it will be understood that without some means of limiting the number of avatars on the primary display, it may be difficult for each player to identify the game character or avatar that corresponds to him from the many displayed. It should be.

  In a preferred environment, the display screen and game controller allow the player to control his game character or avatar on the large display screen by manipulating the game controller held in front of him. Located in the hall. Thereby, the player can easily switch his / her eyes from the large screen to the secondary display on the game controller and vice versa. In one embodiment, the secondary display may provide a simplified representation of the game environment showing the player's game character or avatar in the game environment. Thus, the secondary display allows each player to easily find his game character within the display game environment.

  Each game controller preferably includes player input means. The player input means preferably includes at least a joystick, an action button, and a location specifying button that triggers a character location specifying function. The display screen of the game controller is preferably formed as a touch screen for the user to provide input by touching portions of the display screen. The game controller may also include a card reader in the form of a smart card slot or a magnetic strip reader, for example, to authenticate the player's participation in the game.

  The game controller also preferably includes means for providing sensory output to the player, including, for example, a vibration module and audio output (speaker), for example, which provide vibration output and auditory output, respectively. The display screen of the game controller may also be used to provide a sensory (visual) output to the player corresponding to vibration or audio output.

  The communication means preferably communicates with the game server via a high speed interface and includes a communication controller having a wireless transmitter and at least one wireless receiver. Each game controller also has a wireless transceiver module that forms part of the communication means for receiving a signal from a wireless transmitter and sending the signal back to the game server via at least one wireless receiver. In order to enable effective communication between the game controller and the game server, the wireless transmitter and the wireless receiver are located in the game field. The game server and the communication controller do not need to be located in the game field.

  The transmitter is preferably placed on the ceiling or upper wall of the game arcade, generally facing the display screen. Preferably, the transmitter is oriented in a specific direction to send a communication signal to the game controller in a direction generally away from the display screen.

  The game venue preferably has several receivers arranged in a spaced configuration around the game venue. The receiver is preferably located generally on the ceiling or side wall or rear wall of the game arcade, remote from the display screen.

In another aspect of the present invention, a multi-player game system,
A game server configured to provide display signals for a player to display a multiplayer game represented by individual avatars;
A display system having visual display means for displaying a multiplayer game in response to a display signal;
A plurality of game controllers that communicate with a game server, each having input means for receiving game commands from individual players in connection with a multiplayer game, and output means for providing sensory output to the individual players A controller,
With
The input means includes means for receiving an avatar identification request, and each game controller is configured to transmit a communication signal corresponding to the avatar identification request to the game server, and the game server responds to the avatar identification request with each individual player. A system is provided that provides an enhanced visual indication of the individual avatars on the visual display means substantially simultaneously with the sensory output to the visual display.

A related aspect of the present invention is an avatar identification method in a multiplayer game,
Provides display of multiplayer games that include multiple avatars,
A plurality of game controllers in communication with the game server, each providing a game controller configured to send command data to the game server to control one of the avatars in the multiplayer game;
In the game server, receiving command data corresponding to an avatar identification request of an avatar corresponding to one of the plurality of game controllers;
In response to the avatar identification request, a highlighted visual representation of the avatar is displayed on the display;
Providing sensory output from the single game controller to a player operating the single game controller substantially simultaneously with the display of the enhanced visual representation;
A method comprising:

  The sensory output can be one or more of auditory, vibration or visual output. In order to provide such sensory output, each of the game controllers preferably comprises a speaker, a vibration generator and a display screen. Preferably, the sensory output of each game controller comprises a unique output sequence or pattern.

Another aspect of the present invention is an entertainment system comprising:
A game server configured to process a multiplayer game and provide a display signal for displaying the multiplayer game;
A display system having primary display means for providing a primary display of a multiplayer game in response to a display signal;
A plurality of game controllers each having processing means, secondary display means for providing a secondary display, and player input means;
Communication means for enabling communication between the game server and the game controller;
With
The processing means of each game controller controls the avatar on the primary display by the player operating the player input means of the game controller, and the secondary display means provides a display related to the play of the multiplayer game. It is configured to operate in a multiplayer game mode, or to operate in a single player mode in which the player performs a single player activity on the game controller and the secondary display means provides a display of the single player activity. Is related to the system.

  In one embodiment, the single player activity is a single player game that is directly related to a multiplayer game. Alternatively, the one-player activity may be a game that is not related to the multiplayer game, or may be an activity other than a game, such as browsing the Internet or an intranet site. In one embodiment, a single player may be a pre-qualification game that allows a player to qualify for a multiplayer game.

  The visual display means and the game controller are preferably located in the game field as described in connection with the first aspect. The game controller preferably communicates with the game server via communication means located at least partially within the game venue. Such communication means preferably includes a wireless transceiver in the game controller, a wireless transmitter in communication with the game server, and at least one wireless receiver.

In another aspect, a multiplayer game system comprising:
A game server configured to provide a display signal for displaying a multiplayer game;
A game venue,
A display system having visual display means for displaying a multiplayer game in response to a display signal;
A wireless transmitter that communicates with the game server to transmit game data signals within the game venue;
A plurality of game controllers configured to receive a game data signal from a wireless transmitter and transmit a command data signal corresponding to a player input command;
At least one wireless receiver that receives command data signals from a plurality of game controllers and communicates with the game server to communicate the command data signals to the game server;
And a game arcade with
The wireless transmitter is arranged in the upper part of the game field, the transmission direction of the game data signal from the wireless transmitter is directed to the game controller as a whole,
A system is provided in which at least one wireless receiver is located in the game arena, generally remote from the wireless transmitter.

  A related aspect of the present invention provides a multi-site game system including a plurality of multiplayer game systems as described above.

  Each of the plurality of game controllers may include a display screen and player input means such as a joystick, an action or command button, or a touch screen. The reception of game data and the transmission of command data are performed by a wireless transceiver in each game controller. Each game controller may also include a vibration module and a speaker that provide vibration and auditory output to the player during the game. This sensory output may be reinforced by a display screen on each game controller.

  The display screen on each game controller may provide a secondary display of the multiplayer game or may be used to provide game information such as player statistics related to the multiplayer game. Alternatively, the secondary screen on each game controller performs activities that are irrelevant or indirectly related to the multiplayer game, such as qualification and preparation work to enter the multiplayer game. May be used.

In another aspect, a handheld game controller for a multiplayer game,
A display screen for displaying a first display related to the multiplayer game;
Player input means for receiving game control input from a player of the multiplayer game in relation to the corresponding avatar of the multiplayer game;
Processing means for processing a game control input to generate a first game signal and generating a first display based at least in part on the received second game signal;
The first game signal is transmitted to a game server that supports the multiplayer game, causing the game server to generate a second display of the multiplayer game based at least in part on the first game signal. A transceiver for receiving a second game signal from the game server;
With
A game controller is provided wherein the second display includes an avatar and the player input means can be used by the player to control the avatar in the multiplayer game.

  Preferably, the player input means includes a joystick, an action button, a command button, and a touch screen. The handheld game controller may also include a card reader that reads a smart card or a magnetic strip card in order to receive payment from a player of the multiplayer game. Preferably, the handheld game controller also includes a vibration module and a speaker that generate vibration and sound, respectively.

  Preferably, the handheld game controller may be operated in a landscape orientation or a longitudinal (vertical) orientation, and the display screen has a corresponding landscape or portrait display orientation in such a mode.

  The transceiver is preferably a wireless transceiver. If a wireless communication infrastructure is provided between the game server and the handheld game controller, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated wired connection between each handheld game controller and the game server. This saves time and money during installation, and is advantageous because of the simplicity and sophistication of the design.

  Providing a screen on a hand-held game controller is advantageous because it allows for more abundant changes when operating a multiplayer game. This is because the player can experience a multiplayer game not only on the large display screen of the game field but also on the small screen of the handheld game controller. In addition, the display screen of the handheld game controller serves as a user interface to the multiplayer game system, and the player makes selections and provides input in response to options or instructions provided on the game controller screen. To be able to. Further, the display screen of the handheld game controller is a network in which a player who has not directly participated in the multiplayer game performs pre-game activities or is connected to an independent one-player game or a game server. May be used to engage in activities that are not related to multiplayer games, such as browsing content provided by. Further, the display screen of the handheld game controller may be used to help players locate their game avatar in a multiplayer gaming environment displayed on a large display screen.

  The handheld game controller provides a visual indication of the player's avatar on a large display screen and at the same time provides a sensory output to the player so that the player can more easily identify the player's avatar. It is advantageous to provide sensory output means such as The multiplayer game system also enables a new multiplayer game and player registration method.

  In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a player registration method for playing a multiplayer game. Player registration is initiated by each prospective player of the multiplayer game entering a payment authorization (approval) code that can be an account number into the handheld game controller. The payment authorization code may be received from a built-in card reader or plugged in, or may be received by manual input. The handheld game controller attempts to verify the payment authorization code, encrypts the code if it is valid, and sends the encrypted code to a game server that supports the multiplayer game. The game server decrypts the code and attempts to recognize the decrypted code as relating to an existing (pre-registered) account that can be used to pay for multiplayer games. When the game server recognizes the decrypted code, it checks whether the account has enough funds to allow the player to play the multiplayer game. If there is enough funds in the account, the appropriate amount is charged to the account and the player is registered to play the multiplayer game. The handheld game controller is then unlocked for use by the player to play a multiplayer game (or perform another activity) and the associated game software is downloaded from the game server to the handheld game controller. Thus, the player can participate in the multiplayer game by operating the handheld game controller.

  The player registration method is preferably performed in conjunction with a multi-player game system arranged in a game place having a display system. The game venue includes a plurality of handheld game controllers, a display system, and wireless communication means that allow the handheld game controller to communicate with a game server.

  In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for executing a multiplayer game. The method involves receiving at a game server a plurality of registration requests from individual game controllers operated by a prospective player of a multiplayer game. The registration request is processed to register an eligible prospective player as a registered player for a multiplayer game. Several registered players are added to the multiplayer game up to a predetermined number of players, and then the game is started. During play of a multiplayer game, in response to one or more predetermined game exclusion events, one or more registered players previously added to the game are excluded from the game. When a registered player is excluded from the game, a corresponding number of registered players are added to the game so that the number of registered players playing the multiplayer game does not exceed a predetermined number of players. When a predetermined game end event occurs, the multiplayer game ends. After the game is over, one or more players may be declared a winner according to the performance of the registered player who is playing the multiplayer game.

  The multiplayer game is preferably displayed on a large display screen in a game room that houses a game controller and a registered player. One or more predetermined game end events may include expiration of a predetermined game time, achievement of a game objective by one or more of the players, or when all registered players are excluded from the multiplayer game.

  Following enrollment of eligible prospective players (eligibility is based at least in part on normal payments for multiplayer games), the game server preferably plays multiplayer games. In order to assist, the game module is downloaded to each game controller. Alternatively, the game module may be preloaded on the game controller and made available after registration is completed.

  Yet another aspect of the invention stores computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any one of the methods described herein. The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for supporting team play in a multiplayer game. In such an aspect, a plurality of handheld game controllers are provided in the game field. Each handheld game controller includes input means for receiving player inputs from individual players, and a first display screen for displaying game-related images. A game server is also provided that communicates with the handheld game controller to receive a first signal from each handheld game controller and to transmit a second signal to the handheld game controller. The first signal corresponds at least in part to player input received at an individual handheld game controller.

  In response to a player input from the first player, the game server receives a team creation request from the first handheld game controller. In response to the team creation request, the game server creates a team entry in the team table held by the game server. The game server then adds the player entry for the first player to the team entry. In response to the player input from the second player, the game server receives a team entry request from the second handheld game controller. In response to the team entry request, the game server adds the player entry of the second player to the team entry. A team can then be organized based on the team entries, and then a multiplayer game can be started. When the multiplayer game is started, the game server displays a game image of the multiplayer game on the second display screen. The game image includes a plurality of avatars, at least one of which corresponds to the team, and can be controlled in response to player input from the first and second players.

  The game receives multiple team entry requests from multiple players, and optionally adds a player entry to the team entry only if the first player agrees that multiple players will join the team. obtain. The team preferably has a predetermined limited number of team positions (positions), eg 4, 6, and at least some of these positions play different roles or functions within the team. Accompany. Preferably, players may exchange positions during the game.

  In another aspect, the present invention is a multiplayer game system, a game server configured to provide a display signal for displaying a multiplayer game, and a display system having primary display means A display system configured to provide a primary game display of the multiplayer game on the primary display means in response to the display signal, and player inputs each associated with the multiplayer game A plurality of game controllers having input means for receiving, a plurality of game controllers positioned close to the primary display means so that the primary game display can be seen by a game player operating each game controller, and a game server And communication means for enabling communication between each of the plurality of game controllers and the primary display means. At least one remote game controller comprising secondary display means for displaying a secondary game display of a participatory game and input means for receiving player input related to the multiplayer game, and a game server via a network The present invention relates to a system including at least one game controller that communicates.

  In the following, by way of example only, examples of embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a multi-player game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the multiplayer game system by another embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the game server by another embodiment of this invention. It is a side schematic diagram showing a game field according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for multiplayer gaming according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the handheld game controller by another embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows a handheld game controller. FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for avatar identification according to another embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of a primary display. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of a secondary display. It is a figure which shows another example of the game display of a multiplayer participation type game displayed on a primary display and a secondary display. It is a figure which shows another example of the game display of a multiplayer participation type game displayed on a primary display and a secondary display. It is a figure which shows another example of the game display of a multiplayer participation type game displayed on a primary display and a secondary display. It is a process flow figure showing a method of player registration. It is a block diagram which shows the multiplayer game system by another embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for supporting team play in a multiplayer game according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display on the hand-held game controller displayed at the time of team organization. It is a figure which shows the example of a display on the hand-held game controller displayed at the time of team organization. It is a figure which shows the example of a display on the hand-held game controller displayed at the time of team organization. It is a figure which shows the example of a display on the hand-held game controller displayed at the time of team organization. It is a block diagram which shows the multiplayer game system by another embodiment of this invention.

  In the following, by way of example only, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, like reference numerals are used to indicate similar, equivalent, or corresponding features, functions, or elements between the drawings and the embodiments shown in the drawings.

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multiplayer game method and system. In the following description of these embodiments, several aspects of the embodiments are described separately. For example, the system architecture will be described separately for a game implementation example and a game software example. However, it should be understood that each of these aspects forms at least a portion of the described embodiments.

<Multiplayer game system architecture>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a system architecture aspect of the multiplayer game system will be described. FIG. 1 shows a multiplayer game system 100 according to an aspect of the present invention, which includes a game server 110, a communication controller 115, and a game place 120.

  The game server 110 stores and executes game software 310 that smoothly (supports) a multiplayer game. The game server 110 interfaces with the game field 120 via the communication controller 115, and the communication controller 115 controls high-speed wireless (radio frequency) communication in the game field 120 and high-speed wired communication with the game server 110. To do. The game hall 120 includes a display system 125, a wireless transmitter 130, a plurality of handheld game controllers 135, and at least one (for example, up to six) wireless receivers 140.

  The game venue 120 is preferably a large indoor projection area 400 such as a movie theater, theater, conference hall, lecture hall, and the like. Alternatively, the game venue 120 may be an outdoor facility, such as an amphitheater, outdoor stadium, or other outdoor area where participants' attention may be concentrated on a large central display.

  The display system 125 is disposed in the game place 120 and includes a projector and a large display screen on which an image of a multiplayer game is displayed when the game is played. The projector is preferably of the type normally used for digital screening of movies. One example of a suitable projector is the Sanyo wide XGA digital multimedia projector, model PLV-WF10.

  The display screen (indicated by reference numeral 425 in FIG. 4) can be any suitable screen for displaying images, such as a projection screen or other flat or substantially reflective material suitable for viewing video images. It can be an upper planar surface. The display screen may include a wall or a part of the wall depending on the physical characteristics of the game field 120.

  The game venue 120 is intended to accommodate a relatively large number of handheld game controllers 135, for example, about 20 to 250 handheld game controllers 135. Each handheld game controller 135 is used while an individual player of the multiplayer game is seated in or located in the game venue 120. For example, each handheld game controller 135 is configured such that a player of a multiplayer game sits on a seat in the game hall 120 and uses the handheld game controller 135 while watching the display of the multiplayer game on the display screen 425. It may be combined with a seat facing the large display screen 425 so that it can be operated. The components and operation of the handheld game controller 135 will be described in more detail below.

  The game system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an embodiment in which a multiplayer game can be played in a single game place 120. In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 2, several multiplayer games may be played in separate game venues 120 that are located relatively close to each other or located apart from each other. Good.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each multi-player game system 100 includes a game server 110, a communication controller 115, and a game place 120 as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Each of these multiplayer game systems 100 may be included in a larger multiple venue game system 200. The multi-site game system 200 includes a management server system 210 that communicates with each game server 110 of the multiplayer game system 100, and a payment / authentication system 220 for player authentication and payment processing.

  Management server system 210 implements general system management functions and facilitates communication between game servers 110 of different multiplayer game systems 100. For example, the management server system 210 may maintain a registration of players who have selected to provide registration information before playing the game and / or as part of providing payment information. The management server system 210 is also configured to execute functions other than the functions specific to the game. For example, the management server system 210 records statistics such as average number of players, average play time, average spend for each player, etc. to help analyze system performance and customer usage.

  In one embodiment, the game venue 120 in the multi-site game system 200 may be an adjacent movie theater in a complex movie facility. In such a case, wireless communication from one game place 120 may cross adjacent game places 120 and cause interference or interruption to the multiplayer game.

  In order to avoid simultaneous transmission of game data in adjacent game venues 120, communication clock signal 230 is used to synchronize communication controllers 115 of all multiplayer game systems 100 in multi-site game system 200. It is done. Therefore, the adjacent game fields 120 are controlled so as not to transmit game data at the same time. Instead, a transmission period of 12.5 milliseconds is allocated to communications within one or more remote game venues 120 using, for example, a clock cycle on the order of 40 hertz. When the 12.5 millisecond period elapses, adjacent game venues 120 are allowed to transmit over the subsequent 12.5 millisecond period. If a number of handheld game controllers 135 significantly less than the maximum limit (256) is used, for example, less than 128, the transmission period may be increased by a factor of two or more.

  For clock control, one communication controller 115 is designated by the management server system 210 to provide a master communication clock signal 230 followed by other communication controllers 115 to adjust the transmission timing. In order to transmit the master communication clock signal 230, a dedicated clock cable such as a twisted pair is provided.

  According to the number and physical arrangement of the plurality of game venues 120 in the multi-site game system 200, the game venues 120 that are directly adjacent to each other do not transmit data simultaneously using the communication clock 230, and are sufficiently separated from each other The fields 120 can be transmitted simultaneously (since there is less possibility of interference in this case). Alternatively, when each game place 120 has sufficient electromagnetic shielding to sufficiently reduce the possibility of interference from the adjacent game place 120, the communication clock 230 may not be necessary, and each game The data communication speed in the field 120 need not be reduced.

  FIG. 2 shows a multi-site game system 200 having three multiplayer game systems 100. However, it should be understood that there may be any number of multiplayer game systems 100 within the multi-site game system 200. For example, a complex movie facility may hold 10 multiplayer games in 10 different theaters in which the multi-site game system 200 as a whole and each theater is the game venue 120 of the multiplayer game system 100. . Further, complex movie facilities at different locations may be controlled by the same multiplayer gaming system 200 sharing a single management server system 210.

  Although a multi-venue game system 200 having multiple multiplayer game systems 100 is shown, in an alternative embodiment, a single management server system 210 and payment / authentication system 220 that operates using a single A multiplayer game system 100 is provided. This embodiment may be more suitable when only one game venue 120 can be accommodated at a location.

  Next, the game server 110 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Game server 110 accesses computer program instructions in the form of game software 310 stored in memory 312. The game software 310 is loaded from the memory 312 and processed by a computer processor (not shown). The game server 110 also includes a display driver 314 that provides a display command to the display system 125 in response to a command from the game software 310. The game server 110 further includes a game controller driver 316 that provides game data to the handheld game controller 135 via the communication controller 115 and receives player command data from the handheld game controller 135.

  The game software 310 running on the game server 110 may vary depending on the desired game to be played on the multiplayer game system 100. Appropriate software may be loaded from memory 312 in response to a vote by a player when starting a multiplayer game or in response to a selection by a management operator of game server 110 or management server system 210.

  When a game to be played is selected and the game software 310 is loaded from the memory 312, the game server 110 communicates with each handheld game controller 135 via the communication controller 115 before the start of the multiplayer game. Download the game software module. This download may take a few minutes, but is necessary to enable the complementary display provided on the display screen of the handheld game controller 135 during operation of the multiplayer game.

  The game software module thus downloaded from the game server 110 to the handheld game controller 135 includes software that allows activities that are not directly related to multiplayer games, such as pre-game qualification activities, to be performed. There is also. Alternatively, in response to a request from the player, the game server 110 downloads to the handheld game controller 135 a game software module for a game other than a multiplayer game that is played by the player as a one-player game. When the player is not interested in the multiplayer game, the player may be able to exit the multiplayer game.

  Each handheld game controller 135 includes appropriate software stored in memory to accomplish some basic functions, such as processing payment authorization information received from the player before the game begins (including encryption). The preload software may include a browser application that enables browsing of a more limited network such as the Internet or an intranet in a theater. Such intranet browsing is advantageous because it allows viewers to pre-show movies, games, promotions and other forms of product or service sales activities to be released. In addition, the handheld game controller 135 can be used to display advertisements (on the display screen 640) of movies, games, and other products or services that will be released by a person who operates one of the handheld game controllers 135. The video image or still image may be preloaded into the memory so that it can be seen.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the wireless transmitter 130 and the wireless receiver 140 include hardware and / or software suitable for wireless communication with the handheld game controller 135 at a radio frequency. The communication controller 115 includes a high-speed serial interface for sending data to the transmitter 130 for transmission to the handheld game controller 135 and for receiving command data from the handheld game controller 135 via the wireless receiver 140.

  The communication controller 115 is configured to transmit data packets to the handheld game controller 135 via the wireless transmitter 130 at a rate of up to 1 megabit per second using a transmission frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz. .

  It is understood that the transmission rates and communication infrastructure described herein are for illustration only and that improved transmission rates and communication infrastructure are expected to be available in the future. I want. Thus, as described herein, it is currently considered to provide high speed communication, but such infrastructure may not be considered high speed in future standards.

  The communication controller 115 preferably sends the received command data to the game server 110 and receives game data from the game server 110 via a high-speed wired connection having a transmission rate of 10 megabits per second at least in both directions. One suitable connection between game server 110 and communication controller 115 is an Ethernet connection.

  The wireless transmitter 130 comprises a suitable RF transceiver, controller, amplifier and antenna hardware module (not shown) for high speed wireless data transmission. An example of an RF module is a radio frequency RFW-D100 link manager with an RFW112-M transceiver. The transmit antenna of the wireless transmitter 130 provides a directional broadcast of the data signal to the game venue 120.

  Each radio receiver 140 includes a similar RF receiving module including an antenna, an amplifier, a controller, and a transceiver hardware module. Command data sent by the handheld game controller 135 is received by the receiving antenna of each wireless receiver 140. Depending on the location of each wireless receiver 140 within the game venue 120 relative to the handheld game controller 135, one wireless receiver 140 may receive a stronger signal from the individual handheld game controller 135, The wireless receiver 140 may be received slightly earlier than the other wireless receivers 140.

  The command data transmitted from the handheld game controller 135 is received by the wireless receiver 140, and then the wireless receiver 140 outputs the command data to the high-speed serial interface in the communication controller 115. Data is provided to the game server 110.

  Data is exchanged in the form of packets between the handheld game controller 135 and the game server 110. Depending on the purpose of the communication, the number of bytes in each packet may vary. The packet type includes at least a polling packet from the game server 110 to an individual handheld game controller 135 and a standard from the handheld game controller 135 to the game server 110 that provides data corresponding to any input received from the player. A response packet and an inquiry response packet provided to the game server 110 from the handheld game controller 135 that is sent in response to the inquiry packet received from the game server 110 are included. Other data packet structures may be used to send game / command data and information not particularly relevant to multiplayer games, such as registration related information, data or software downloads.

  Since wireless data transmission suffers attenuation and is susceptible to noise, all data communication between the game server 110 and the handheld game controller 135 is subject to some form of error detection code, such as a checksum byte or cyclic redundancy check code. Etc.

  Each game controller driver 316 (shown in FIG. 3) includes an input buffer (not shown) and an output buffer (not shown) for receiving and transmitting data to and from each handheld game controller 135. Separate input and output buffers are dedicated to communication with each handheld game controller 135 with which the player is registered. Tables 1 to 3 below show examples of packet structures of polling packets, standard response packets, and inquiry response packets.

  The polling packet illustrated in Table 1 is transmitted by the game server 110 within a transmission period permitted by the master communication clock 230 (for example, 12.5 milliseconds). The polling packet includes a 6 byte, 2 or 3 byte data payload and a checksum byte for sending a command, venue identifier, game controller identifier.

  The handheld game controller 135 ignores the polling packet if the checksum is incorrect. If the checksum byte is correct, the handheld game controller 135 responds with a 5-byte standard response packet indicating the current state of the handheld game controller 135. If the current state of the handheld game controller 135 is normal, the controller ID is added to the checksum. Otherwise, an error code such as 0x0FF (decimal 255) is added to the checksum.

  The inquiry response packet (illustrated in Table 3) is a 5-byte packet that provides state information of the handheld game controller 135 in response to a state request (inquiry packet) from the game server 110.

  The processor 605 (shown in FIG. 6) of the handheld game controller 135 is configured to parse the polling packet received via the RF transceiver 615 and determine the command encoded in the polling packet. ing. The processor 605 responds according to the received command, including constructing a standard response packet or an inquiry response packet if necessary. When the handheld game controller 135 receives a data download from the game server 110, the processor 605 parses the downloaded packet and stores the software received in this way, but with a simple acknowledgment of the received packet ( No response other than acknowledgement) is provided.

  The game controller driver 316 holds an input buffer and an output buffer (illustrated in Table 4 and Table 5 below) for each handheld game controller 135. The input buffer holds the last (latest) data received from the handheld game controller 135 as well as newly received data that has not yet been parsed. The input buffer also tracks the current state of the various inputs and changes in the state of those inputs. The output buffer holds the next data packet to be sent to the controller. Each input and output buffer is replicated so that one buffer can transmit or receive while the other buffer is being accessed from the game server 110.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a wireless transmitter 130, a wireless receiver 140, a plurality of handheld game controllers 135, and a display system 125 (including a projector 428 and a display screen 425) are located in the game place 120. These game field 120 components are arranged at various locations around the projection area 400.

  The wireless transmitter 130 is preferably located at or near the ceiling of the projection area, and generally the seat area of the projection area 400 where the player is likely to be located during multiplayer gameplay. And a targeted directional broadcast 430 directed to. The beam angle θ of the directional broadcast 430 is preferably about 45 to 90 degrees, depending on the physical configuration of the projection area 400 and the location of the wireless transmitter 130. To accommodate a more specific configuration of projection area 400, a wider or narrower broadcast angle may be used.

  The wireless receiver 140 is preferably spaced at several locations along the ceiling of the projection area 400 to receive output signals from the wireless transceiver of the handheld game controller 135. Also, one or more wireless receivers 140 may be located on the rear wall or sidewall of the projection area 400 if deemed desirable for optimizing signal to noise characteristics at the wireless receiver 140. .

  The projection area 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be in the form of a movie theater, a lecture hall, or another type of large enclosed space. In such a projection area, the projector 428 is generally arranged on the rear wall side or the rear side of the projection area 400 so that the image projected from the projector 428 is directed to the display screen 425 in front of the projection area 400. Is. However, another projector 428 location may be used to match the physical layout of the projection area 400. For example, the projector 428 may be hung from the ceiling or installed in a structure protruding from the floor.

  In one embodiment, the wireless transmitter 130 is generally positioned on the display screen 425 side, the directional broadcast 430 is directed slightly away from the display screen 425, and the beam angle θ is generally downward, In addition, it is preferable to be directed to the rear of the projection area 400. In this arrangement, the radio receiver 140 is arranged behind the projection area 400 so that it is outside the direct viewing direction of the directional broadcast 430 from the radio transmitter 130. In this arrangement, the wireless transmitter 130 is preferably located within one third of the ceiling area of the projection area 400 closest to the display screen 425, and the wireless receiver 140 is preferably a projector 428 in the projection area 400. Located within one-half of the side ceiling or sidewall area.

  In an alternative embodiment, the wireless transmitter 130 is located behind the projection area 400 and is generally directed forward and downward (although in the seat area where the handheld game controller will also be located during play). May be directed) directed broadcast 430. In such an arrangement, the wireless receiver 140 is located closer to the display screen 425 and generally away from the wireless transmitter 130.

  In various embodiments, the exact location of the wireless transmitter 130 and wireless receiver 140 within the projection area 400 depends on the physical configuration of the projection area 400 used in the multiplayer gaming system 100. The need for direct and efficient communication from the wireless transmitter 130 to the handheld game controller 135 located within the projection area 400 and the need for fast and efficient communication from the handheld game controller 135 to the wireless receiver 140. It should be noted that several variations and modifications may be made to the positioning of the wireless transmitter 130 and the wireless receiver 140.

  In an alternative embodiment of the multiplayer gaming system indicated by reference numeral 1300, the handheld game controller may communicate with the game server 110 in a wired manner as shown in FIG. Communication between the handheld game controller and the game server 110 may be performed via a wired network 1350 such as Ethernet.

  The multiplayer game system 1300 is substantially the same as the multiplayer game system 100 and operates in substantially the same manner. However, the multiplayer game system 1300 uses a wired system architecture instead of the wireless architecture of the multiplayer game system 100. In the multiplayer game system 1300, the game server 110 is interconnected with the handheld game controller via the network 1350, so that it is not necessary to arrange a wireless transmitter and a receiver in the game field 120.

  The hand-held game controller is slightly different from the hand-held game controller 135 (described in detail in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7) in that it does not require a wireless transceiver. 1335. Instead, the handheld game controller 1335 uses a wired connection such as an Ethernet connection to the network 1350. The wired connection between the network 1350 and each handheld game controller 1335 is established via wiring that, in the preferred embodiment, runs to each play position, which is a seat with at least one armrest. The Ethernet connection cable preferably passes through the armrest and the mechanical connection that connects the handheld game controller 1335 to the armrest. This mechanical connection may be rigid or flexible.

  The Ethernet connection over the network 1350 uses the handheld game controller 1335 to provide a voltage that is inappropriate for powering the handheld game controller 1335 when operating a multiplayer game. In some cases, battery power is used. When the handheld game controller is not in use, the battery is trickle charged via an Ethernet connection.

  The multiplayer game system 1300 does not affect any of the multiplayer game operations, and instead of the multiplayer game system 100 in connection with the various embodiments described herein. It should be understood that it can be used. The main impact is on the communication between the game server 110 and the handheld game controller, which is mainly a communication architecture and hardware issue.

  Since the multiplayer game system 1300 does not use wireless communication, it is advantageous in that it is not necessary to protect against interference between adjacent game venues 120. On the other hand, the multi-player game system 1300 requires a larger structural obstacle to install a wired communication infrastructure than the wireless infrastructure of the multi-player game system 100. If installed in an existing venue, it may be more expensive.

  Next, a method 500 for playing a multiplayer game will be described with reference to FIG. Method 500 begins at step 510 where a player registration is received. The player registration is received as a result of the player indicating that he wants to play a particular multiplayer game (ie, via an appropriate input command on the handheld game controller 135). Player registration also involves payment receipt or authorization, or other means of receiving payment from the player. Player registration will be described in more detail below with respect to FIG.

  When the player registers to play the multiplayer game, at step 515, the game software module is downloaded from the game server 110 to the handheld game controller where the player is registered. This game software module facilitates the corresponding game activity on the handheld game controller 135 during the multiplayer game play, or the activities that the player performs before entering the multiplayer game. used. In an alternative embodiment, step 515 may be performed prior to step 510 to preload the game software module to all handheld game controllers 135 before initiating the player registration procedure.

  When the player registration is completed and the game software download is completed, the registered player is added to the game in step 520. Depending on the number of registrations received and any predetermined limit on the number of players that can participate in the multiplayer game being played, the first registered players up to a predetermined number of truncations (capacity) Added to the game. Players registered after the truncation count may be provided with alternative activities while waiting for entry into the game. The cut-off number can be 20 to 100 people, for example, depending on the type of game and the number of registered players.

  When a sufficient number of registered players are added to the game at step 520, the game is started at step 530 and only the players added to the game at step 520 are allowed to participate in the multiplayer game.

  In the course of a game, an avatar controlled by a player typically incurs some kind of gain or loss depending on the influence of other players' avatars and instructions from the game software 310 depending on the experience in the game. Become. If an avatar suffers a certain amount of loss or experiences a certain event, the avatar may “die” or be otherwise excluded from the multiplayer game, In this case, the player is no longer an active (operable) player of the multiplayer game, and the player's avatar is not visible on the large display screen 425.

  Adding a player to the game and excluding it from the game is made at step 540, so that if a player is excluded from the game, another player may be added to the game at that player's location. Players that are registered for play but have not yet been added to the multiplayer game are queued so that other players are added to the multiplayer game after they are excluded from the multiplayer game. Be put in. Players excluded from the game may enter the end of the queue. The first player in the queue is allowed to enter the game at the next opportunity. If there are no other players in front of the player in the queue, that player can enter or re-enter the game. In this way, players are continually added to or removed from the game, thereby creating interest in the multiplayer game and at the same time limiting the number of players in the multiplayer game and becoming overcrowded This prevents the avatar of each player from becoming difficult to distinguish.

  When a player is removed from the game at step 540, the player is queued to reenter the game at the next opportunity, for example, by selecting a corresponding option presented on the handheld game controller 135. You may decide. Alternatively, the player may perform another activity such as playing a one-player game or using a browser application available on the handheld game controller 135.

  In one embodiment, while waiting for a player to re-enter the multiplayer game in a queue, game-related activities are performed to maintain that player's interest in the multiplayer game. Provided. For example, this game-related activity may include performing avatar maintenance, exchanging or purchasing player avatar equipment and tools. Alternatively, game-related activities may include training activities such as missions and shooting exercises and team organization activities such as selection of positions within the team (described in connection with FIGS. 14-18).

  At step 550, game software 310 determines whether the game is over or whether the time allotted to play the multiplayer game has expired. If the game is over or the time has expired, at step 560 the game is over and a winner is declared. If not, the game continues and steps 540 and 550 are repeated until the game ends or the period expires.

  A game can be determined to be finished if one of the players reaches a certain goal or otherwise wins in a multiplayer game, and that player is the winner. Can be declared to be. Or the winner of a game may be declared according to accumulation of a grade and a score, for example. If the game ends due to the expiration of the game allocation period, the player with the highest cumulative score or other score may be declared the winner. If the game is over, but there is still time to play the game, a new game may be started.

<Handheld game controller>
Next, the handheld game controller 135 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. The handheld game controller 135 includes a processor 605 that controls the operation of the handheld game controller 135. The handheld game controller 135 includes a player input unit 610, a wireless RF transceiver 615, a card reader 620, a vibration module 625, a memory 630, a power supply module 635, a display screen 640, and an audio output unit 645. Is further provided. These components are housed in a controller housing 710 (shown in FIG. 7).

  The processor 605 is preferably a high-speed processor that can perform image processing, audio processing, and high-speed software algorithm execution, and also has a control function and a high-speed input / output function. One suitable processor is a Sunplus SPG200 processor with an image processing unit and an audio processing unit (supporting NTSC and PAL data formats), which includes data input from various player-operated input means, and card reading Other inputs such as device 620 and RF transceiver 615 can be received.

  The player input means 610 includes a joystick, at least four action buttons, and 6 to 8 other command buttons. The commands and actions associated with these buttons can be configured according to the multiplayer game being played. Some of the command buttons have the function shown in the adjacent display portion on the display screen 640 so that the command button can be used to select menu options shown on the display screen 640 in effect. Also good.

  The player input means 610 preferably provides a touch superimposed on the display screen 640 for the player to select a command or option associated with a particular portion of the display screen 640 by touching that portion of the touch screen overlay. Includes a transparent screen.

  Various player input means operations, including joystick movements, action or command button presses, and touch-screen touches, cause signals to be sent to the processor 605, which may serve as command signals or other types of input signals. Can be interpreted. If the player is currently playing a multiplayer game, the processor 605 processes these input command signals as needed and sends the commands to the game server 110 via the RF transceiver 615. Encode as a packet.

  The RF transceiver 615 includes a suitable transmit and receive module (not shown) having signal conditioning and amplification functions, and an antenna (not shown). The RF transceiver 615 is arranged in the handheld game controller 135 so that transmission and reception of radio signals are performed in the peripheral part of the controller housing 710. This minimizes interference between the radio signal and the action of other components in the handheld game controller 135. One suitable RF transceiver is manufactured by RF Waves using an RFW-D100 link manager for the RFW112-M transceiver and a dedicated Atmel 89c52 embedded processor.

  Card reader 620 is preferably a magnetic strip card reader that reads a paper or plastic card having an encoded magnetic strip on its surface. When the card is passed through or inserted into the card reader 620 to read stored data, the data read from the card is sent to the processor 605 for verification. Alternatively, the card reader 620 may be adapted to read smart cards with or instead of a magnetic strip card.

  If the encoded data read from the card does not constitute a valid code, the processor 605 instructs the player to reinsert the card into the card reader 620 on the display screen 640, or the code read from the card Display an error message indicating that is an invalid code.

  If the code read from the card by card reader 620 is determined by processor 605 to be a valid code, this code is encrypted using an encryption algorithm executed by processor 605 and RF transceiver 615. And transmitted to the game server 110 via the wireless receiver 140. The encryption algorithm can be, for example, a 128-bit WEP, 3DES, RSA algorithm, or the like.

  The vibration module 625 includes an offset weight driven by a small DC motor (not shown). The DC motor receives power from the power supply module 635 and drives the offset weight to rotate in response to receiving an ON signal from the processor 605. The on signal from the processor 605 is preferably applied to the base terminal of the driver transistor so as to effectively switch power to the DC motor in response to the on signal. When the motor drives the offset weight, the placement and rotation of the offset weight in the handheld game controller 135 causes the entire handheld game controller 135 to vibrate as the offset weight rotates.

  The processor 605 displays the on-state vibration module 625 as part of a player character identification process (described in more detail below) that is activated by the player pressing one of the command buttons on the player input means 610. Synchronized with the highlighted visual display of the on-screen avatar on the screen 425, is configured to drive the vibration module 625 according to a specific repetitive sequence.

  Memory 630 stores computer program instructions including game software modules downloaded by processor 605 to handheld game controller 135 (in step 515 described above), for example, certain games such as browser applications, instant messaging and chat applications. Is used to store application information, including player interface software, game variables and data received from the game server 110 during multiplayer game play, etc. Memory 630 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) and flash memory. The processor 605 controls various communication, data processing display and user interface functions by executing computer program instructions stored in the memory 630.

  The power supply module 635 may include a battery power supply in the form of, for example, an AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery, and a power supply adjustment circuit that supplies power to the processor 605 and other modules. The power from the power supply module 635 is controlled by the processor 605 to provide power to other modules in the handheld game controller 135 as needed. For example, processor 605 may include power from power supply module 635 that provides illumination of display screen 640, power to audio output 645 that causes audio output 645 to emit audio energy, power to drive a DC motor in vibration module 625, card The power to the magnetic strip reader in the reader 620 and the transmission power of the RF transceiver 615 are switched. The power supply module 635 may include a charging circuit that recharges the battery from an external power supply.

  In an alternative embodiment, each handheld game controller 135 receives power from an external power source such as an external battery pack (not shown). In such an embodiment, an external power supply supplies power to the power supply module 635. Each hand-held game controller 135 may be connected to a seat arm or other fixed structure within the game arena.

  The battery pack is preferably removably attached to the seat arm or other fixed structure, and the handheld game controller 135 is connected to the seat arm or other structure by a tether. . The mooring means includes a movable connection means that allows the handheld game controller 135 to move relative to the seat arm or other structure, and houses a power cable that provides power to the handheld game controller 135 from the battery pack. . The anchoring means may comprise a rigid connection arm or a flexible winding cable.

  Display screen 640 receives output from processor 605 for providing a display image. Display screen 640 is preferably a color super twisted nematic (CSTN) screen with a light emitting diode (LED) backlight having a screen resolution of 320 × 240 pixels.

  As described above with respect to the player input means 610, the touch screen is separated from the touch layer on the outer surface of the display screen 640 and the liquid crystal display unit of the display screen 640 is separated from the touch layer by an appropriate dividing layer such as glass or transparent plastic. It is overlapped to be done. The “touch screen” thus formed by the touch-type layer superimposed on the display screen 640 is configured to generate an electrical output corresponding to the portion of the touch screen that is touched by the player. The touch screen may include a preprocessor (not shown) that receives the electrical signals and adjusts the electrical signals, for example, by analog / digital conversion, before outputting the corresponding signals to the processor 605. The electrical output from the touch screen is received by the processor 605 and processed to determine whether the player has made a valid selection of choices or game commands.

  Not all areas of the touch screen correspond to valid choices or commands, and some parts of the touch screen are active at various times, depending on the application being executed by the processor 605 at any given time. Or become inactive. If the selected option or game command is valid, the selected option or command is processed by processor 605 according to the game software module (stored in memory 630) running on handheld game controller 135. . Such processing may include generating one or more packets corresponding to the selected option or command and sending them to the game server 110, displaying another graphic or text stored in the memory 630. May be accompanied by.

  The touch screen superimposed on the display screen 640 may be advantageously combined with a suitable software application executed by the processor 605 to enable instant messaging between the handheld game controller 135 or 1335. This may be done by providing a user interface that includes buttons on display screen 640 corresponding to a keyboard that allows entry of message text. The touch screen causes a button corresponding to the keyboard key to be pressed. Such a user interface can be used for text messaging and can also be used to enter other text strings, such as player names and team names.

  If the player indicates that he is sending an instant message to another player, such as by selecting a menu option, the processor 605 launches the instant messaging application or otherwise displays the display screen. 640 provides an instant messaging user interface. When the player identifies one or more desired recipients, such as by entering a text string to be sent and selecting a recipient from the list or selecting a team of players to be a recipient, the processor 605 Encode the text string as one or more packets and send the packets to the game server 110. The game server 110 then identifies the handheld game controller 135 corresponding to the intended recipient of the text message and prepares one or more packets containing the text string along with any other relevant information such as the sender name, subject, etc. The packet is then sent to the associated handheld game controller 135 for display on the individual display screen 640. In this way, the player may interact with any other player in the multiplayer game, including enemies, allies or people who are likely to be friends.

  In an alternative embodiment, the processor 605 allows the player or other people who are not participating in the multiplayer game to chat, for example, about the game or about a movie to be released. An application may be executed. Chat room applications use a user interface similar to that of instant messaging applications. In particular, the chat room application needs to display a keyboard on the display screen 640 that can be used to enter a text string via the touch screen.

  The display screen 640 is also used by the processor 605 in the player character identification process (discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 8-11) so that the processor 605 can display the display screen 640 or a portion thereof. Flashes in synchronization with the vibration generated by the vibration module 625 and the sound emitted from the audio output 645.

  The audio output 645 includes at least one speaker that outputs sound corresponding to a certain game event. The sound emitted from the audio output 645 varies depending on the game and individual game events that occur during the play of the multiplayer game. The audio may be emitted, for example, to alert the player that the game time is about to expire, that the health of the player's avatar is degraded, or other scenarios that should be notified to the player. One or more standard 8 ohm 250 mW computer speakers may be used for the audio output 645.

  FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the handheld game controller 135. The handheld game controller 135 includes a housing 710 in the form of a rigid casing that houses electrical and electronic components including a processor 605, an RF transceiver 615, a card reader 620, a vibration module 625, a memory 630 and a power supply module 635. Have. The housing 710 is preferably molded plastic and is small enough to be lightly and easily supported by both hands of the player.

  The housing 710 has a front surface (or top surface) 712 and a back surface (or bottom surface) (not shown). The display screen 640 is located on the front surface 712, generally in the center of the housing 710, so that when the player holds the handheld game controller 135 in a normal playing orientation (landscape), the front surface 712 is generally facing up, Display screen 640 is made visible to the player.

  The housing 710 includes a left grip 730 and a right grip 732 at both left and right ends of the housing 710. The left grip 730 is preferably formed of a soft and frictional material such as rubber so that it can be easily gripped by the player's hand when using the handheld game controller 135. The right grip 732 is also made of the same material but is placed in the opposite direction and configured to be gripped by the player's right hand. The front surface 712 is left substantially uncovered, but the left and right grips 730, 732 cover the left and right ends of the housing 710, at least when the handheld game controller 135 is impacted or dropped. Provides partial shock absorption function.

  The player input means 610 is provided in the form of a movement selection member such as a joystick 720, a command (or selection) button 722, an action button 724, and a touch-sensitive screen superimposed on the display screen 640. The joystick 720 is positioned next to the left grip 730 and suitable for operation with the left thumb when the left hand is placed on the grip 730, and supports the lower surface of the housing 710 with a finger other than the thumb, and the front with the thumb. 712 can be touched.

  The joystick 720 is preferably fixed to the housing 710 so that it can be moved in any direction over 360 degrees on the XY plane. Alternatively, the joystick 720 may be fixed so that it can be moved only to predetermined different positions on the XY plane, for example, positions corresponding to sections of 45 degrees within 360 degrees possible. The joystick 720 is preferably spring-loaded so that it returns to a vertical position after the player has tilted in the desired direction. In addition, the joystick 720 is preferably soft or frictional material disposed on or covering the top surface so that the player can comfortably grip and operate easily.

  The action button 724 is preferably adjacent to the right grip 732 and is easily depressed with the right thumb when the player's right palm rests on the right grip 732 and a finger other than the right thumb supports the back of the housing 710. It is arranged in such a position that it can. Although four action buttons 724 are shown in FIG. 7, it should be understood that the handheld game controller 135 may have more or fewer action buttons 724. However, at a minimum, at least two action buttons 724 should be provided. Each action button 724 typically provides a different player input command while playing a multiplayer game.

  The command (or selection) button 722 is preferably provided in the middle of the left grip 730 and the right grip 732 adjacent to the display screen 640 as shown in FIG. The command button 722 is preferably disposed along the outer edge (upper end / front end) of the housing 710. Preferably, six command buttons 722 are provided adjacent to the lower end of the display screen 640, and the menu options provided along the lower portion of the display screen 640 by the proximity of the buttons to the display screen 640. To be visually responsive. Rather than being arranged adjacent to the lower end of the display screen 640, the command button 722 may be arranged along the upper end of the display screen 640, or along the right or left end of the display screen 640.

  In FIG. 7, the command button 722 is arranged on the opposite side of the housing 710 where the action button 724 and the joystick 720 are arranged, but the command button 722 is arranged closer to the center of the housing 710, Button 724 and joystick 720 are located closer to the end of housing 710.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the right grip 732 is provided with a slot 740 for receiving a card in the card reader 620. The card slot 740 is configured to allow a magnetic strip card to be received by passing it through the slot 740 so that the card reader 620 can read the data encoded on the magnetic strip on the card. Alternatively, the slot 740 may be arranged on another side of the handheld game controller 135, for example, the front side or the other side between the left and right side end portions.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the left grip 730 has a connector portion 750 for receiving a battery recharger or other form of external power source. Connector portion 750 may be located on another portion of handheld game controller 135 according to the particular desired casing design. For example, the connector portion 750 may be disposed on the top, bottom, right side, or bottom surface of the handheld game controller 135.

  A speaker 760 is provided in the housing 710 to provide an audio output 645. The location of the speaker 760 on the housing 710 may vary depending on design requirements, but is located on the front surface 712 in a position that is not covered by the player's hands when the player's hands are placed on or around the grips 730 and 732. It is preferable.

  The hand-held game controller 135 is advantageous in that it can be operated sideways, with the player's left and right hands placed around the left and right grips 730, 732 as described above, or can be operated vertically. is there. In the vertical orientation, the hand-held game controller 135 has the left grip 730 and the right grip 732 oriented vertically by the player, with the left grip 730 facing away from the player and the right grip 732 facing away from the player. Is held to be. In such an orientation, the player's left hand typically remains on the left grip 730, the player's right hand supports the back of the housing 710 below the display screen 640, and the player's right hand thumb holds the command button 722. It is moved more centrally so that it can be pushed. The player's left hand is then placed to operate the joystick 720 with the left thumb. In the vertically oriented state, the display screen 640 is also oriented vertically.

  Depending on the individual game or other functions to be performed by the handheld game controller 135, it may be preferable to operate the handheld game controller 135 in a portrait orientation rather than a landscape orientation. However, the hand-held game controller 135 is generally intended to be used sideways.

<Player avatar identification>
Next, a player character (or avatar) identification method 800 will be described with reference to FIG. Avatar identification is initiated by the player pressing one of the command buttons 722 at step 810. Alternatively, a dedicated action button 724 that activates the avatar identification request may be provided. Advantageously, the player may activate the avatar identification request at any time the player selects. This function can be used in situations where there are a large number of avatars on the primary display of a multiplayer game, for example, when a player's avatar is in a battle with another avatar, and the avatar controlled by the player is confused. This is particularly useful for players in situations such as

  In response to the player activating an avatar identification request on the handheld game controller 135, the processor 605 sends an avatar identification request packet to the game server 110 at step 815. In response to receiving the avatar identification request packet from the handheld game controller 135, the game server 110 synchronizes the display of the highlighted visual representation of the avatar on the large display screen 425 with the sensory output from the handheld game controller 135. Therefore, a synchronization packet is sent back to the handheld game controller 135. The synchronization packet specifies a particular repetitive sequence to be output as vibration by vibration module 625, sound from audio output 645, and repetitive visual display (eg, one or more flashing icons) on display screen 425. To do.

  At step 820, the game server sets a period of time to provide the visual indication and the corresponding synchronized sensory output for the player to recognize his corresponding avatar on the display screen. This period is notified to the handheld game controller 135 by including appropriate data in the synchronization packet.

  At step 830, the avatar's highlighted visual indication (corresponding to the handheld game controller 135 from which the avatar identification request packet was issued) is displayed on the display screen 425. This highlighting visual indication includes, for example, repeating the avatar's image scaling and scaling according to a specific iterative sequence, or providing a blinking pointer, halo or icon at the top, bottom, or another adjacent location of the avatar, etc. It can be provided in any of several ways. In another example, if a player has registered a username or team name, that name may temporarily appear above or below the avatar on display screen 425, or other adjacent location, or may flash. Good.

  Concurrently with step 830, step 835 is executed and a synchronized sensory output is provided from the handheld game controller 135 to the player. This sensory output includes a repetitive vibration sequence corresponding to repetitive flashing or other highlighted visual indications on display screen 425. In addition, the sensory output includes a repetitive audio sequence corresponding to the vibration sequence and the blinking visual indication on the display screen 425. Optionally, the display screen 640 on the handheld game controller 135 may flash as a corresponding repetitive sequence.

  The sensory output as a specific repetitive sequence from the handheld game controller 135 helps the player identify the appropriate avatar on the display screen 425. This is because the player can match the repeat sequence received from the handheld game controller 135 with the visual repeat sequence on the display screen 425.

  Both game server 110 and processor 605 repeatedly cause display screen 425 and handheld game controller 135 to provide enhanced visual indication and sensory output until the period expires at step 840. When the period for this expires, at step 845, the enhanced visual indication and sensory output are stopped and if the player is to continue receiving the enhanced visual indication and sensory output, the player is at hand-held game controller 135 at step 810. The avatar identification request must be reactivated.

  In one embodiment of the avatar identification method 800, the display screen 640 indicates a low resolution version of the game environment in which the player's avatar is located, and indicates the location of the player's avatar to the game environment and the opponent player's avatar. Can be displayed. In such a low resolution display, the player's avatar may be represented by a simple icon, such as a colored block, shown in contrast to other avatars represented by other color blocks. Alternatively, the low resolution display on the display screen 640 may display the player's avatar above it by surrounding it with a halo, pointing with an arrow, or other graphics that tell the player where the avatar is in the gaming environment. You may point by providing.

  The low resolution display also preferably shows the game environment as another view of the game environment provided on the display screen 425. For example, the low resolution display on the display screen 640 of the handheld game controller 135 is a view from above the game environment, and the display screen 425 in the game place 120 may provide a view of the game environment from the ground view. Good.

  In this alternative embodiment, the handheld game controller 135 is preloaded with appropriate low resolution graphics for display at the appropriate time for the handheld game controller 135 to display a low resolution version of the gaming environment. There must be. Such low resolution graphics may be obtained from the memory 630 when appropriate or in particular in response to receiving a synchronization packet from the game server 110 in step 820. An example of such a low resolution display on screen 640 is shown in FIG. 11C.

<Example of game display>
Next, an example of the game display of the multiplayer game will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 shows an example 900 of a game environment displayed on the large display screen 425 while playing a multiplayer game. In the game environment 900, an avatar 910 controlled by a player of a multiplayer game is shown.

  The example game environment 900 shows a number of player avatars 910 in a sports game situation. In order to identify his avatar from the many avatars displayed by the player, the player may try to activate an avatar identification request button or option (option) provided on the handheld game controller 135. (This is the process described in connection with FIG. 8). In the example game environment 900, one of these players has chosen to activate an avatar identification request, and the player's character is highlighted visually in the form of a halo icon 920 surrounding the player's avatar 910 in this example. Signs are provided.

  In one embodiment of the multiplayer gaming system 100, players may choose to form a team so that their player avatars 910 may unite and compete with other teams. . In such an embodiment, the enhanced visual display provided in response to the avatar identification request can also be extended to display player avatars belonging to the team of which the requesting player is a member. In the example game environment 900, a player avatar of the same team as the requesting player is indicated by a sign icon 925 located adjacent to the associated player avatar (including the avatar of the player making the avatar identification request).

  It should be understood that a wide variety of gaming environments can be created by the methods and systems described herein to facilitate a multiplayer game. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any of the specific examples shown and described herein.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10, a single player activity display 1000 provided by the display screen 640 of the handheld game controller 135 is shown. The single player activity display 1000 includes a game action display portion 1052 and a game information display portion 1054. The game action display portion 1052 indicates a player avatar 1070 (which may be different from the player avatar shown in the multiplayer game) that performs an action controlled by a player input to the handheld game controller 135. The player activity display portion also includes other active display elements such as game statistics and metrics 1072. The game information display portion 1054 includes a score display 1060 and instructions 1062 for performing a one-player activity, which preferably includes graphics and appropriate icons. The score display 1060 may be an individual score, and when the player is playing as a member of a team, the score display 1060 may indicate a team score.

  A choice that is made while a player is waiting to enter (or re-enter) a multiplayer game or as one of several tasks to be completed to achieve the multiplayer goal For example, a one-player activity as shown in FIG. 10 may be performed as the supplementary activity.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, another example game scenario having a game environment 1100 is shown. Each player avatar 1110 moves around in the game environment 1100 and competes with each other, for example, by destroying each other, passing through the game environment in a certain way, or earning points. To achieve the objectives. In example game environment 1100, each player controls an avatar in the form of a vehicle. Each vehicle has certain equipment, resources and parameters (life / health / status points, etc.).

  A secondary game display 1150 of the relevant equipment, statistics and conditions of the player's vehicle avatar may be provided on the display screen 640 of the handheld game controller 135. If the player is part of a team, team information is provided along with the avatar 1110 equipment, statistics and conditions as part of the information display portion 1154 of the secondary display 1150. In this example, an activity display portion (such as activity display portion 1052 in FIG. 10) is not provided, but in alternative game scenarios, such a display may be provided as part of secondary display 1150.

  Referring to FIG. 11C, as described above, the low resolution display 1180 may be displayed on the display screen 640 of the handheld game controller 135 in response to the action of the avatar identification request by the player. In the present game environment example 1100, the low resolution display 1180 corresponding to the player's avatar 1110 is located in the center of the display 1180 and provides a low resolution icon 1185 with a view from above in the game environment. A highlighted visual indicator 1190 is shown around the icon 1185 corresponding to the player avatar 1110. Simultaneously with the display of the low resolution display 1180 on the display screen 640, the player's avatar 1110 is shown in the game environment 1100 on the large display screen 425 as having an enhanced visual appearance such as a halo, flashing pointer, or icon.

<Payment processing>
In a preferred embodiment, payment is received from each participating player in a multiplayer game before the player is allowed to play the game. In an alternative embodiment, the multiplayer game may be played free of charge. For example, if a new movie is scheduled to be released in a movie theater, a multiplayer game with a theme similar to the theme of the new movie will be promoted in the theater prior to the release or screening of the movie for promotion. May be provided.

  According to a preferred embodiment, a player who wants to play a multiplayer game must pre-register to create a personal or credit account or purchase a prepaid account. An exception to this is that a player may provide credit card details to the handheld game controller 135 after entering the game venue 120, and if credit card payment is authorized, the player's temporary account (account) ) May be created. Alternatively, credit card information may be provided by players with personal or prepaid accounts to continue or re-enter the multiplayer game after they have used up their initial credits. If necessary, the payment / authentication system 220 is used to interact with a credit card authority to validate billing to a credit card account.

  Next, a player registration method including player payment processing will be described with reference to FIG. The player registration method is indicated by reference numeral 1200 and begins at step 1205 by prompting the player to enter a payment authorization (approval / authentication) code. This prompt is provided on the display screen 640 of the handheld game controller 135 and allows the player to manually enter a payment authorization code (eg, on the display screen 640 so that the player can enter a number via the touch screen). Or a card with a payment authorization code stored in the card reader 620. Manual entry of the payment authorization code is used, for example, to enter a credit card number if the card reader 620 cannot read the credit card, or other unique number such as a player account number. obtain.

  The multiplayer game system 100 preferably allows the player to pre-register an account as a credit account or debit account (via the management server system 210) and when the player is at the game venue 120, (Or other identification information such as PIN) is entered into the handheld game controller 135 and set up so that it can be registered in the game by allowing charging for his player account.

  As an alternative to having a pre-registered registered player account, a new player purchases a certain amount of play credit or play time by entering valid credit card details or purchasing a prepaid general account. May be. For example, a prepayment account may have 10 play credits or an associated dollar value that any player with account details (in the name) can use to play a multiplayer game. This prepayment account has a magnetic strip card associated with it or a unique identification code that the player must enter into the handheld game controller 135 as a payment authorization code in order to register for a multiplayer game. You may do it.

  Step 1205 may involve operating the handheld game controller 135 or otherwise playing the game, for example, by pressing a button, moving a joystick, inserting a card into the card reader 620, swinging on a touch screen, etc. It can be executed in response to attempting to provide input to the controller. Following the prompt display on display screen 640 at step 1205, handheld game controller 135 awaits receipt of a payment authorization code at step 1210.

  When a payment authorization code is received at step 1210, it is checked at step 1215 whether the code is valid. Using this validity check, for example, checking the number of digits in the code, ensuring that the code is internally consistent (ie if the code allows error detection), or other parseable errors It is verified that the payment authorization code is a valid code by checking the presence or absence of the payment.

  If it is determined in step 1215 that the code received from the player is invalid, the handheld game controller 135 displays an error message on the display screen 640 in step 1220 and the player is again permitted to pay in step 1205. Prompt for code. If it is determined in step 1215 that the code is valid, the processor 605 continues to encrypt the code using the encryption algorithm stored in the memory 630 in step 1225. Encryption is used to protect the confidentiality of the payment authorization code, which may include credit card information and other sensitive information, from interception during transmission from the handheld game controller 135 to the game server 110.

  In step 1230, the encryption code is transmitted to the game server 110 via the RF transceiver 615, the wireless receiver 140 and the communication controller 115. At step 1235, game server 110 decrypts (decrypts) the payment authorization code using the decryption algorithm corresponding to the encryption algorithm used by handheld game controller 135 at step 1225.

  In step 1240, the game server 110 checks whether the code decrypted in step 1235 is a code corresponding to the registered account (account). This check will decrypt the decrypted code into the existing account (account) database for both accounts where prepaid accounts are purchased by anonymous users and full player registration accounts with billing or credit account accounts. This is done by comparing.

  If, at step 1240, the decrypted code is not accepted by the game server 110 (as a corresponding personal account or prepaid account), the game server 110 may verify that the code is similar to a credit card number, for example. In some cases, an external credit agency may be queried to conduct a debit transaction. If it is determined in step 1250 that neither the credit card account nor the multiplayer game account has sufficient funds, the game server 110 sends a message back to the handheld game controller 135 in step 1255, In step 1220, an error message is displayed on the player. Next, at step 1205, the player is prompted to enter a valid payment authorization code.

  If it is determined at step 1250 that there is sufficient funds in the player's account, at step 1260 a predetermined amount is charged to the associated account. Once the player's account is charged, the game server 110 sends a message to the handheld game controller 135 from which the encrypted code has been received in step 1265 that the payment transaction has been completed, and the handheld game controller 135. Unlock the input means. Prior to step 1265, if the player operates the handheld game controller 135 or otherwise enters the game controller 135, that input is associated with a prompt to enter a payment authorization code in step 1205. Not processed unless it is a thing. In this sense, the control of the handheld game controller 135 is “locked” before step 1265. After step 1265, those controls are “unlocked”.

  At step 1260, once the player's account is charged, the player is effectively registered to play a multiplayer game (or perform other selected activities). Thus, steps 1260 through 1270 generally correspond to steps 510 and 515 described above with respect to FIG.

  After unlocking the handheld game controller at step 1265, the game server 110 subsequently downloads one or more software modules to the handheld game controller 135 at step 1270. The one or more software modules downloaded in this manner generally include game modules, but may include other software modules as needed. In one embodiment, a game module is requested by the player in a selection step (not shown), in which case at least one single player game may be selected by the player in addition to at least one multiplayer game.

  In another embodiment where the player is only allowed to play certain preselected multiplayer games, the step of having the player select the desired game is omitted. In this embodiment, the software module is downloaded before the player registration starts. In this way, the download simultaneously broadcasts the data comprising the game and other software modules to all handheld game controllers 135 to avoid unnecessarily using valuable bandwidth in the player registration process. Can be done.

  In alternative embodiments, various decryption, account registration and billing functions may be performed by the management server system 210 rather than the game server 110. In yet another alternative, some of those functions may be shared between the game server 110 and the management server system 210 to distribute the processing load.

  In a preferred embodiment, the multiplayer gaming system 110 is configured to allow a player to select from a number of activities that are performed using a handheld game controller 135. One of these activities is playing a multiplayer game, which is the main purpose of the system. However, the system is advantageous in that it also allows the player to select and enjoy alternative activities for multiplayer games. This allows the system to gain a wider popularity than those that only provide a single activity.

  In addition, the multiplayer game system 100 and the multi-site game system 200 are configured to allow a registered player to vote on which of the multiple available multiplayer games to play on the game venue 120. Also good. Such a voting process can be performed between steps 1265 and 1270 described above in connection with FIG.

<Team play>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, a further embodiment of the game that facilitates team play in a multiplayer game will be described. In the team play embodiment, several players share a single avatar on the main display screen 425. For example, the avatar can be a vehicle, which can be steered and operated by various members of the team, each using its own handheld game controller 135.

  FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1400 that facilitates (supports) team play among players in a multiplayer game. Examples of screen displays associated with the team play embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. These screen display examples are displayed to individual players on the display screen 640 of each handheld game controller 135 during the team formation stage of the multiplayer game.

  Following registration with the multiplayer gaming system 100 (or 1300), the player may be provided with the option of playing as a member of a team or playing alone. When a player chooses to participate in team play, the player is presented with an initial selection display 1500 as shown in FIG. Display 1500 is a button for creating a new team for a player or joining an existing team (by touching the touch screen or using joystick 720 to move the cursor over the desired button and Can be selected or pressed by pressing one). When selected, the team creation button 1510 causes the handheld game controller 135 to display additional screens corresponding to the steps of the team organization process as shown in FIGS. When the team entry button 1520 is selected, the display screen 640 is ready to accept new team members and displays a list of teams already created that the player can select from to request entry. .

  The team organization method 1400 begins when the player selects the team creation button 1510 at step 1410. The player who creates the team is automatically nominated as the captain of the team, and is given control over the member configuration and the type of avatar that will represent the team on the large display screen 425. A player who creates a team is also a member of the team and can select a certain position or role in the team.

  In response to the selection of the team creation button 1510, the handheld game controller 135 requests the player to input the team name, and then the handheld game controller 135 sends a team creation request including the team name to the game server 110. Next, the game server 100 uses the team name to create a new team entry in the team table (table) according to a predetermined data structure described in more detail below. The team name entered in the team table is stored and maintained by the game server 110, and is provided by the game server 110 when a player entering the team selects the team entry button 1520.

  When the player requests entry to a team by selecting from a list of free teams in step 1420, the team captain is notified of the team entry request and a team organization display 1600 is displayed on the team captain. Display 1600 relates to team formation and provides information and selection buttons for it.

  The display 1600 includes a display description field 1605, a team name field 1610 indicating a team name, a team list 1620, and an entry request 1630 when the player requests entry to the team. The display 1600 also includes a start button 1670 that allows the team captain to indicate that team formation has been completed.

  The team list 1620 includes a list indicating player names of players who are already team members and vacant team positions (positions). For each player shown in the team list 1620, there is a corresponding player exclusion button 1625 that, when selected by the team captain, causes the corresponding player to be excluded from the team. When excluded from the team, the excluded player is notified of the exclusion and the player returns to display 1500.

  In addition, the team list 1620 may indicate a player's experience level as a registered player in a multiplayer game and a rank associated with the player indicating previous results. A higher rank may be associated with a better game-related avatar attribute, thereby giving the player the motivation to repeatedly play the game and reach a higher rank.

  The entry request 1630 includes a text field for notifying the team captain of the entry request, a text field 1640 indicating the name and rank of the player, an accept button 1650, and a reject button 1660. If the team captain selects the accept button 1650 in step 1430, the entry request is accepted and the requesting player is added to the team in step 1450. If the team captain selects the reject button 1660 at step 1430, the player requesting to join the team is notified of the rejection of the request at step 1440 and returned to display 1500.

  During the team formation of step 1420, the display 1600 is displayed, where the team captain has an entry request 1630 to be accepted or rejected by the team captain. In other cases, the team captain may select a team avatar by looking at the avatar selection display 1700 shown in FIG. The display 1700 includes a description or instruction field 1705, a team name field 1710, an avatar image 1715, a team list 1720, and an avatar attribute description 1730. The team list 1720 shows the team members currently included in the team and the roles or positions (positions) within the team that are currently allocated or selected to the team members. The avatar attribute description 1730 includes the avatar name, and lists or describes the avatar's game-related attributes corresponding to the avatar image 1715 currently displayed on the display 1700, or represents the figure. For example, an avatar may have certain attributes related to speed, attack ability, defense ability, agility, or special ability.

  Display 1700 further includes a return button 1750, a forward button 1760, and a selection button 1770 for scrolling through various avatar images 1715 and selecting an avatar having a desired attribute. The select button 1770 may be selected by the team captain when an avatar image 1715 for that avatar appears on the display 1700 at step 1460.

  When a team avatar is selected, each team member can select a desired role or location 1820 for the team at step 1470, looking at the role selection display 1800, an example of which is shown in FIG. The display 1800 includes a text description or instruction field 1805, a team name field 1810, an avatar image 1815, a number of positions or roles 1820 on or associated with the avatar image 1815, and their positions or roles 1820. And a number of text fields 1830 corresponding to. Each role or location 1820 may be used by one team member, but there should be no more than the role or location 1820 provided. On the other hand, not all roles or locations 1820 may be used by team members. Team members may attempt to change roles or positions 1820 at any time during the game, but the team avatar selected by the captain cannot be changed after the game has begun. Text field 1830 includes a description of the role or position 1820 and, if any, the name of the player who occupies the role 1820 of that position.

  Display 1800 also includes a return button 1850 that allows the player to return to the previous display, and a start button 1870 that is visible only to the team captain and indicates that the team is ready to play the game. The team enters the game at step 1480 when the team captain selects the start button 1870 or when another game start event occurs, such as the expiration of a predetermined period of time.

  Avatar image 1815 generally corresponds to the avatar selected on display 1700. Depending on the avatar selected in display 1700, avatar image 1815 may vary and may provide various roles or locations 1820, including the functions of various locations or roles associated with that avatar.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 6, the handheld game controller 135 or 1335 can be used for instant messaging between players. This is particularly advantageous in team situations where team members may attempt to send comments and instructions to other team members. As mentioned above, instant messaging is supported via an instant messaging application executed by processor 605. In this way, a player can use an instant messaging application to send a message to other players, such as teammates, people who are likely to be teammates, people who are likely to be enemies or friends.

  In one embodiment, processor 605 may also execute software that facilitates voting among team members, for example, to select a team avatar. Voting may be initiated by the team captain or by another team member. Such a voting process is performed in the same way as instant messaging, in which the player who initiates the voting effectively begins sending instant messages to each of the other team members.

  When game server 110 receives a vote start request from a player (via the player's handheld game controller 135), game server 110 formats each of the intended recipients (ie, the initiating player's teammate). A voting display is transmitted on the display screen 640 requesting the player to cast a vote. The voting display provides a number of selection buttons that allow the voting player to make a selection and initiate a response message to the game server 110 that includes the selection.

  The game server 110 verifies the vote response and notifies the team member of the vote result. If the game server 110 does not receive a response from each player within a predetermined period of time, the game server 110 can determine the voting result without any input from the players. In the case of a tie, the result may be determined by the captain's vote.

  If a team avatar dies or is otherwise removed from the game during the game, the team avatar will not be displayed on the large display screen 425. If the team wants to re-enter the game, the captain may choose another avatar. Alternatively, the team may select a new avatar through the voting process described above. In an embodiment using a single team avatar, if the team avatar dies, all team members are removed from the game, and the teams are either the same or new, assuming that all players are trying to remain members of the team. Re-enter the game with the selected avatar. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the game can always display only a limited number of avatars on the large display screen 425. Therefore, teams that are re-entering the game may have to wait in a queue until they are allowed to re-enter.

  In one embodiment of the payment process, each player is charged to his account each time the player enters or reenters the game. Therefore, when re-entering the game after the team is excluded, each player of the team is charged a predetermined amount corresponding to the debit amount for entering the game or a discount amount for re-entering the game. The

  FIGS. 15 to 18 show display examples related to the team organization mode of the multiplayer game. In order to make the team organization and the avatar selection of the team member roles more smooth, as necessary, It should be understood that another indication may be provided. Further, the display examples of FIGS. 15-18 are shown in connection with a pirate game motif, in which case team members have a specific role on a pirate ship that is a single team avatar visible on the large display screen 425. Occupy. It should be understood that other motifs and themes can be used as the basis for multiplayer games, including team-based participation. For example, tanks, airplanes, and other forms of vehicles may be used for avatars in the corresponding army or other battle-themed games.

  Alternatively, team members may move as a team without sharing a single avatar. For example, each team member may have a single avatar corresponding to a battlefield warrior or playground player. In such a case, the visual functional form of the player avatar may depend on their role in the team.

  When a team is formed, an avatar is selected, and a multiplayer game is started, all avatars on each team are displayed on the large display screen 425 along with the avatars of any player who has chosen to play as an individual. Is done. The avatars that can be selected by a single player may be different from those available to a team of players. For example, a single player avatar may be smaller than a team avatar and may have a lower attack or defense capability.

  Regardless of whether the avatar represents an individual or a team, the avatar identification function described above in connection with FIGS. 8-11 operates similarly. Further, in a team avatar, each player may be displayed on the team avatar according to the player's position or role in the team. Using the pirate ship example shown in FIGS. 15-18, a player may, for example, place a small colored square or halo or other sign on the cannon on the avatar that corresponds to the location of that team member on the team avatar. By showing, it can be shown as being on the cannon. During game play, team members can view the display 1800 on the display screen 640 so that they can easily check their position on the team avatar and easily swap positions as needed.

  During team play, operations of individual handheld game controllers 135 by each player are encoded as one or more packets by processor 605 and transmitted to game server 110, which game server 110 takes action for each player in the team. Are handled separately as part of a team.

  In order to manage team play, the game server 110 implements a server-side data structure, an example of which is shown in Table 6 below. This data structure comprises a team table that tracks all teams and a player table that tracks each player in the various teams. Each team and player has its own record in the data structure. Records in the server-side data structure are frequently updated by the game server 110. A corresponding (reduced size) data structure is maintained by each handheld game controller 135 or 1335 and used for communication with the game server 110.

  The game server 110 and the handheld game controller 135 (or 1335) interact with each other to facilitate team formation and control and track the progress of the game in the player. Table 7 below shows an example algorithm executed by the game server 110 in pseudo code. In Table 7, the term “node” refers to a handheld game controller that is operated by a player who has registered to play the game.

  In another embodiment of the multiplayer game system, the player can enter the multiplayer game via a remote connection without being located within the game venue. Such a multiplayer game system is shown in FIG. In the multiplayer game system 1900, the game server 110 communicates with the handheld game controller 135 via the communication controller 115 (not shown) as described above in connection with FIGS. The primary display of the multiplayer game is displayed on 125. In addition to receiving game input from the handheld game controller 135, the game server 110 can communicate from the game site 120 and a remote game controller 1910 located remotely from the game server 110 via a communication connection 1920 via the network 1930. You may receive game input.

  Remote game controller 1910 may be, for example, a desktop or laptop personal computer, or a video game console. In the remote game controller 1910, game software 1940 is installed and executed in order to play a multiplayer game. The game software 1940 is downloaded from the game server 110 or the management server system 210 and is installed in the game controller 1910 by a prospective player of the multiplayer game.

  Each remote game controller 1910 is coupled to a display 1950, such as a television connected to a video game console, or part of a desktop or laptop computer system, for viewing images of a multiplayer game. . The communication connection 1920 between the game software 1940 and the game server 110 is relatively fast so that the image on the display 1950 is refreshed enough to allow real-time play of a multiplayer game. Need to be.

  In response to game-related user input to remote game controller 1910, game software 1940 sends a data packet representing game-related commands resulting from the user input to game server 110 over network 1930. The game server 110 updates the game state and data packets in response to the game software 1940 over the network 1930 so that the game software 1940 can generate an updated game image for display on the display 1950. I will provide a.

  The multiplayer game system 1900 allows players to enter the multiplayer game from home or from another location away from the game venue 120 where multiplayer games are primarily played. A player who enters a multiplayer game via the remote game controller 1910 may enter as a single player or join a team. In one embodiment, players operating remote game controller 1910 are only allowed to enter the game using a single avatar, not a shared avatar. Such players may form teams or alliances with other players, but do not share team avatars. In such an embodiment, the game image visible to the remote player on the display 1950 corresponds to a view from the field of view of the player's avatar. This first individual field of view contrasts with the overall view of the multiplayer game seen on the large display screen 425 of the game venue 120. Optionally, a remote player operating remote game controller 1910 may be able to switch between the first personal view and the overall view.

  It should be understood that the game server 110 may be implemented as a server system that includes multiple processors that process a potentially large number of players that may participate in a multiplayer game.

  While the above describes several embodiments having different features, functions or characteristics separately, many such features, functions or characteristics may be individually associated with such features, functions or characteristics. It should be understood that various combinations may be incorporated into one or more embodiments other than those described. Thus, any useful and realizable combination of any one or more such features, functions or characteristics is expressly incorporated herein.

  Various modifications or variations of the foregoing embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications or variations are It is considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A method for supporting team play in a multiplayer game,
(A) A plurality of hand-held game controllers having input means for receiving player input from each of a plurality of players and a first display screen for displaying game-related images are provided in the game field,
(B) receiving from each handheld game controller a first signal corresponding at least in part to a player input received by said individual handheld game controller and sending a second signal to said handheld game controller; Providing a game server for communicating with the plurality of handheld game controllers for transmission;
(C) The game server receives a team creation request from the first handheld game controller in response to a player input from the first player;
(D) In response to the team creation request, create a team entry in the team table held by the game server;
(E) adding a player entry for the first player to the team entry;
(F) The game server receives a team entry request from the second handheld game controller in response to a player input from the second player;
(G) adding a player entry of the second player to the team entry;
(H) organize a team based on the team entry;
(I) In order to allow the team to participate in the multiplayer game by operating each handheld game controller, game software is sent from the game server to each of the first and second players. Download to a handheld game controller
(J) Start the multiplayer game,
(K) displaying a game image of the multiplayer game including a plurality of avatars controlled at least in part by the player input on a display screen visible to the players in the game field;
Including methods.   The method of claim 1, wherein the game server and the handheld game controller communicate via wireless communication means.   The handheld game controller further includes a display screen for displaying a related image related to the multiplayer game, and further includes displaying the related image in response to the player input. The method described in 1.   The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the avatars is controllable in response to player input from a player corresponding to the team and at least partially added to the team entry.   After step f), the game server transmits a permission request to the first player in response to the team entry request, and step g) is performed by the game server by the hand of the first player. The method according to claim 1, which is performed only when a team entry permission is received from an interactive game controller.   The method according to claim 5, wherein the game server performs steps f) and g) until the game server determines that the team is ready.   The method of claim 6, wherein the game server determines that the team is ready in response to player input from the first player.   The method according to claim 6, wherein the game server determines that the team is ready when the game server determines that the team formation period has expired.   The method according to claim 6, wherein the game server determines that the team is ready when the number of player entries added to the team entry reaches a predetermined maximum number of players of the team.   The method of claim 1, further comprising causing a player on the team to select a player positioning within the team.

Images